SeaLink names latest start date
for new ferry service
Company declares both new ferries will be in operation by late September after a three day shutdown to install loading ramps.
By DANIEL CLARKE
22/05/26
Kangaroo Island's two year wait for its overdue new ferry service will come to an end by late September, according to a SeaLink statement released today.
The company's General Manager for South Australia Tracy Croft said weather conditions and the final delivery schedule for the second ferry Ruwi would dictate exact timing but it was anticipated the new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service will commence on or before 23 September this year.
As part of the transition, a temporary three-day shutdown of ferry services will be required in August or September to complete critical shoreside infrastructure works, including installation of the new vehicle ramps at Cape Jervis and Penneshaw for the new vessels, the statement reads.
SeaLink said every effort would be made to minimise disruption and avoid peak travel periods where possible.
Following the three-day shutdown period, Croft said services would resume using Sealion 2000 on a reduced schedule for three to four days while final on-water testing, crew familiarisation and operational readiness activities for the new vessels were performed before full-service commencement.
She said collaboration with the State Government, the community and key stakeholders remained critical to ensuring a successful transition.
“We thank the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Joe Szakacs, together with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, for their collaboration and commitment to achieving the best outcome for the Kangaroo Island community,” Croft said.
“There is a significant amount of work occurring behind the scenes across vessel commissioning, marine safety, crew readiness and shoreside infrastructure to ensure the service transition is both smooth and successful for the long term.”
The announcement comes three days after island residents were informed that the June 1 deadline for the start of the service would be delayed again because Ruwi was still under construction in Indonesia. SeaLink said it is expected the second ferry would arrive in Adelaide in August.
Staff have been busy rescheduling all bookings made on the new timetable after June 1 although many residents are reporting they have not been contacted yet.
The company confirmed previously announced Kangaroo Island resident savings will continue, including the ‘Resident Saver Fares’ for vehicles and the reduced resident passenger fares. The current freight pricing arrangements will continue until the new service commences.
Croft said the arrival of the first custom built ferry Wanggami in April marked an important step forward for the project and for the future of ferry services to Kangaroo Island.
“Welcoming Wanggami to South Australia has been a significant milestone for the SeaLink team, the Kangaroo Island community and everyone who relies on this essential service,” she said.
“The new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service represents the largest investment in the service’s history and is expected to deliver significant improvements in capacity, reliability and customer experience.
“Our priority remains delivering a safe, reliable and well-planned transition that provides long-term benefits for residents, freight operators, businesses and visitors travelling to and from Kangaroo Island.”
The company said further updates, including confirmed dates for Ruwi’s arrival and the temporary shutdown period, would be provided as soon as they are finalised.
For more information visit: SeaLink Kangaroo Island Ferry Service Updates